Mr. Seddon in Wellington.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7714, 17 January 1905, Page 2

Mr. Seddon in Wellington.

Opinion on Prospects. Mr Seddon, on his return to Wellington, informed a pressman that there was an air of sound prosperity in tho Taranaki district, and so far as he could judge from the returns in the last nine months the same state of affftirs prevailed throughout the colony. The month of December had been a record month for Customs rdturns. The estimated revenue had been fully realised ; money for public works had been raised on better terms by one-half per cent, than in the ense of New South Wales, and, relatively, there had been a much larger public subscription. Yes, but Nutal raised its money at 3i per cent. ? queried the Times representative. "I should be very sorry for New Zealand to have made such a mistake," was the Premier's reply. "I am informed on reliable authority that the Natal loan had to bo taken up by the Sinking Fund Commissioners, and that it was scarcely touched by the public, and only netted £93 15s. Of course, there are always some who can do better than the Colonial Treasurer, but the Colonial Treasurer, so far as finance is concerned, is sitting on velvet." Is there anything) in the report that there has been a small loan raised in Australia ? "I have seen what lias appeared in the paper, and I take it that the reference is to some loans we have which aro falling due in Australia, and what is referred to is renewals or the raising of money in Australia to meet debenture holders who require cash. To be able to raise money at par, at 4 per cent., as I understand has been stated, speaks well for the colony, and will not bo found fault with. It is somewhat amusing to me—and I should be better pleased if 1 thought there was more sincerity—to see the anxiety evidenced' in respect of obligations regarding debentures which arc falling due this month, I have no anxiety ; I never had ; and I hope this statement may relieve at least tho professed anxiety of those pessimistic croakers who, lacking confidence in themselvos and in their country, by their loud-voiced misgivings do injury to tho colony they profess to assist. I feel satisfied that in respect to financing our loans and renewals the Colonial Treasurer will have a very pleasing tale to tell Parliament, nnd this has been done 'With little assistance from within the colony itself."-